Job Purpose
The Facilities & Maintenance Team Leader is responsible for ensuring the effective upkeep, safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the hostel premises. This role combines hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities, requiring a strong working knowledge of electrical systems, plumbing, and carpentry. The post holder will oversee maintenance operations, supervise cleaning teams, monitor accommodation standards, and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations. The role is fundamental in maintaining a safe, clean, compliant, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Planned and Reactive Maintenance
- Carry out routine inspections of the building, identifying maintenance needs and potential hazards.
- Undertake a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry work.
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests and emergencies, ensuring minimal disruption to hostel operations.
- Develop and implement a preventative maintenance schedule.
- Act as the primary caretaker for all building-related matters and ensure the general upkeep of the premises at all times.
2. Electrical Systems
- Conduct minor electrical repairs and maintenance in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Identify faults and liaise with certified electricians for complex or high-risk works.
- Ensure all electrical installations and equipment are safe and compliant.
3. Plumbing
- Carry out repairs to water systems, including fixing leaks, unblocking drains, and maintaining fixtures.
- Monitor water systems to ensure efficiency and compliance with health and safety standards.
- Address issues relating to heating, hot water systems, and sanitation facilities.
4. Carpentry and General Building Work
- Perform carpentry tasks such as repairing doors, windows, locks, furniture, and fittings.
- Maintain structural elements of the building, ensuring they remain safe and functional.
- Undertake basic decorating and refurbishment work where required.
5. Cleaning and Accommodation Standards
- Manage and supervise cleaning staff and external cleaning contractors to ensure high standards of cleanliness throughout the building.
- Ensure communal areas, offices, resident rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and external areas are maintained to a consistently high standard.
- Conduct regular room inspections and randomised spot checks to monitor cleanliness, health and safety, and property condition.
- Address hygiene concerns promptly and ensure corrective actions are implemented where required.
- Maintain cleaning schedules, records, and monitoring systems.
6. Health and Safety Compliance
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with current health and safety legislation.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, and compliance checks.
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure appropriate control measures are in place.
- Support fire safety systems maintenance, including alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and evacuation procedures.
- Ensure all statutory compliance certificates and inspections are maintained, up to date, and renewed within required timescales, including but not limited to:
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
- Fire Alarm Testing and Servicing
- Emergency Lighting Certificates
- PAT Testing
- Legionella Monitoring
- Lift Inspections where applicable
- Liaise with external contractors and regulatory bodies regarding compliance works and inspections.
7. Contractor Management
- Source and liaise with external contractors for specialist works.
- Monitor contractor performance to ensure quality and value for money.
- Ensure all contractors adhere to organisational policies and safety standards.
- Schedule contractor visits and monitor completion of works within agreed timescales.
8. Inventory and Budget Control
- Manage stock levels of tools, materials, cleaning supplies, and spare parts.
- Maintain maintenance records and report on expenditure.
- Work within allocated budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
9. Team Support and Communication
- Work collaboratively with hostel staff to prioritise maintenance and operational needs.
- Provide guidance and support to staff on reporting maintenance and health and safety concerns.
- Communicate effectively with residents, maintaining a professional and respectful approach.
- Support management in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment throughout the building.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Proven experience in a maintenance role within residential, hostel, hotel, or similar environments.
- Strong practical knowledge of:
- Electrical systems (basic fault finding and repair)
- Plumbing systems and repairs
- Carpentry and general building maintenance
- Experience of supervising cleaning teams or facilities staff.
- Understanding of health and safety legislation and statutory compliance requirements.
- Experience of managing contractors, inspections, and maintenance schedules.
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Ability to diagnose and resolve maintenance issues efficiently.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to emergencies.
- Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Qualifications
- Relevant trade qualification(s) in electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or building maintenance desirable.
- Health and Safety certification (e.g., IOSH or equivalent) desirable.
- Fire Safety or Facilities Management qualification desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable and proactive approach to work.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable individuals.
- Professional, respectful, and approachable manner.
- Strong sense of accountability and pride in maintaining high property standards.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends in response to emergencies.
- Enhanced DBS check required.
Safeguarding
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all residents. The post holder will be expected to share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
Equality and Diversity
The organisation is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all sections of the community.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person